Hamas launched two rockets towards Tel Aviv, Israel’s commercial hub, on Tuesday (August 13, 2024), marking the first such attack in months. In response, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 19 Palestinians in Gaza. Mediators are working towards resuming ceasefire discussions later in the week.
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No casualties were reported in Israel, as one rocket landed in the sea and the other did not reach Israeli territory, according to the Israeli military.
The military wing of Hamas claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, stating it was in retaliation for Israeli actions against Palestinian civilians and displacement of the Palestinian population.
Israeli airstrikes in the central and southern Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of 19 Palestinians on Tuesday (August 13, 2024), as confirmed by medics. The last time Hamas claimed responsibility for firing rockets at Tel Aviv was in May.
Among the casualties were six individuals in Deir Al-Balah, including a mother and her twin four-day-old babies, as well as seven others in Al-Bureij camp. Additional strikes in Al-Maghazi camp and Rafah claimed four lives each, with two more casualties in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood.
Reports indicated ongoing fighting between the Israeli military and Palestinian factions in various areas of Gaza.
The Israeli military reported targeting Palestinian gunmen, dismantling military structures in Khan Younis, seizing weapons in Rafah, and striking rocket launchers and sniper posts in central Gaza.
Ceasefire talks
The U.S. government confirmed that Gaza ceasefire discussions scheduled for Thursday (August 15, 2024) were proceeding as planned, with hopes for a potential agreement. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was set to travel to Qatar, Egypt, and Israel for further discussions.
Israeli officials announced their delegation’s participation in the upcoming talks on Thursday (August 15, 2024) to finalize the proposed agreement details.
However, Hamas expressed the need for a practical plan to implement the proposal put forward by U.S. President Joe Biden in May, rather than engaging in further negotiations.
Contrary to reports, a Hamas official informed Reuters that the group’s attendance at the talks on Thursday (August 15, 2024) was incorrect, emphasizing the importance of implementation over additional talks.
The conflict began when Hamas fighters entered Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in casualties and hostages. Subsequently, thousands of Palestinians were killed in Gaza, with widespread destruction and displacement.
A potential ceasefire agreement aims to halt hostilities in Gaza and secure the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
In Deir Al-Balah, a heavily populated area with numerous displaced individuals, residents expressed desperation for peace.
One resident, Ghada, voiced her plea for a ceasefire, highlighting the challenges faced by the community and the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict.
